Kokkadichcholai resettlers displaced again

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 11 July 2007, 19:00 GMT]
Nearly 100 families recently resettled in Kokkaddichcholai area in Batticaloa district have started relocating to safer areas due to recent killings and disappearances, said Ariyanarenthiran, Batticaloa district Tamil National Alliance(TNA) parliamentarian, speaking to the media Wednesday.

The parliamentarian told the press, "Kanapathypillai Rajendiran, 27, was shot dead at Makizhadiththeevu, on 10 June. Krishnapillai Rajendiram, 27, a father of three children, disappeared on 4 June from Maavadimunai. An umarried young woman Balasunderam Thavamani, 27, taken away by Sri Lanka Army (SLA)for investigation on 7 June was found stabbed to death in Tha'lavaay Ki'nattadivaadi in the village of Viduthikkal.

"As a result of these incidents, the civilians recently resettled in Kokkaddichcho’lai have started leaving the area to safer places.

Residents of other villages including Kuduvinamadu, Viduthikkal, Revilaamunai, and Kollan Ulai have moved to the villages of Munaikkaadu, Muthalikkudaa, and Arasadiththeevu and sought refuge in the homes of friends and relations, the parliamentarian further told the media.

Adequate protection has not been provided for these resettled families. Since Sri Lanka Army (SLA) conducts search operations during mid night and early morning, these families continue to live in fear.

“Further, the resettled villagers have not been provided with any form of assistance," Mr. Ariyanarenthiran said.